Sexist forms of hate speech are direct manifestations of violence against women and girls, which remains the most pronounced expression of the uneven balance of power between women and men, one of the root causes of discrimination against women.

Sexist hate speech humiliates and objectifies women, destroys their reputation and makes them vulnerable and fearful. It has devastating effects, especially on young women, and affects society’s quest to achieve gender equality. In the survey about young people and online hate speech carried out in 2015, women are one of the top three target groups of hate speech encountered by the respondents.

The seminar reviewed the causes and extent of sexist hate speech on young people and identify measures to prevent, counter, report and remedy them. The seminar outcomes include:

Proposals for the Council of Europe’s future work to combat sexist hate speech

A strategy to address and prevent sexist hate speech through the No Hate Speech Movement campaign, starting with the 8 March 2016 (International Women’s Day)

Exchange information on good practices to combat sexist hate speech.

The seminar is co-organised by the Department of Equality and Dignity and the Youth Department of the Council of Europe.

International Women’s Day 2016: European Action Day against online sexist hate speech.

The European Action Day of 8 March 2016 will mobilise the 40 national campaigns and 60 European partners of the No Hate Speech Movement to take action and raise awareness about the damages of online sexist hate speech. You can join the action day and follow the preparations after the seminar on www.nohatespeechmovement.org